Newspaper group Grupo Editorial El Siglo-La Estrella, based in Panama, recently went on production with a new Goss Community SSC press. The group publishes Latin America's second oldest newspaper, La Estrella, and national daily El Siglo.

The investment in the 28-unit Goss Community SSC press has increased both page and color capacity at the Grupo Editorial El Siglo-La Estrella facility in Panama City, enabling both newspapers to be printed in 100 percent color.

Juan Luis Correa, general manager of La Estrella and El Siglo, comments, "The investment in the Goss Community press came about as part of a project to redesign El Siglo and La Estrella. Not only have we gained increased color and enhanced print quality with the new press, but with the high speeds and reduced makereadies, we are also benefiting from many production improvements. We are very happy with the results so far."

The 560 mm cut-off press is configured as seven four-high towers with two SSC folders and produces the 64-page La Estrella broadsheet and the 56-page tabloid El Siglo, all in full color. The press operates at a maximum speed of 35,000 iph.

"With continuous technical upgrades the Community SSC press continues to be an extremely popular press across Latin America," comments Fernando Guerrero, sales manager for Goss International. "It's the best investment choice for publishers like Grupo Editorial El Siglo-La Estrella who are looking for premium print quality, high productivity and value."

Founded in 1981 El Siglo has a daily circulation of up to 40,000 copies. Sister publication La Estrella was founded in 1853 and has a circulation of 15,000 copies.